2014 Jaguar XKR-S GT Priced at $174,895

Jaguar's track-oriented 2014 XKR-S GT is making its debut at the New York auto show, and the automaker has announced pricing, as well. The limited-edition XKR-S GT coupe will start at $174,895 when it goes on sale in August.

Powered by a supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 engine paired to a six-speed ZF automatic, the XKR-S GT serves up 550 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque. Jaguar says this will get the racer to reach 60 mph in 3.9 seconds with an electronically limited speed of 186 mph. We drove the 550-hp 2013 XKR-S convertible last year, which takes 4.2 seconds to get from 0-60 mph. “The ride, while on the firm side, is nevertheless comfortable enough for a car with extra-wide, ultra-low-profile tires mounted on 20-inch forged aluminum wheels. And the steering is sharp without being all action hero about things, which adds to the fantastic level of refinement the car delivers,” contributor Ronald Ahrens said of the convertible. In New York, Jaguar is also debuting the 2014 XJR that, which shares its 550-hp V-8 with the XKR-S and XFR-S.

Built with an all-aluminum body structure, the XKR-S GT moves through the air more swiftly, achieving a maximum downforce of 320 pounds thanks to a carbon-fiber front splitter that extends forward 2.4 inches, carbon-fiber dive planes, extended wheel arches, and an aluminum undertray. Around back, the XKR-S GT has a huge carbon-fiber air wing affixed to the decklid, and a carbon-fiber rear diffuser that allows air to escape more efficiently. Black 20-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels are shod in Pirelli Corsa tires, and stand out with yellow brake carbon ceramic brake calipers. Several vents on the hood allow the V-8 engine to breathe.

Underneath the skin, the Jaguar’s suspension has been stiffened with new suspension arms, uprights, wheel bearings, bushings, and rear subframe. Its front track has been widened 2 inches, and camber has been increased as well, compared to the regular XKR-S. A new spring and damper module design also helps in this department, with a twin-spring setup that works with Jaguar’s Adaptive Dynamics active damping system that now has height-adjustable dampers. Revisions to the track control system’s calibration and a new steering system with faster steering ratio complete the changes to the hardware.

Offered in Polaris White with black racing stripes, the XKR-S GT has a gray interior highlighted with red accents, and seats covered in soft-grain leather and suede cloth with the Jaguar and R-S GT embroidered on the headrests. Jet black suede cloth adorns the headliner, and aluminum paddle shifters come standard.

The track-ready car will go on sale in August, but you’d better act fast if you want one because the 2014 Jaguar XKR-S GT will have a limited production run of just 25 units for U.S., while Canada will only get five.

Stay tuned to Automobile for more details on the Jaguar XKR-S GT and other debuts at the 2013 New York auto show.

Ask car fans to name the "best" new cars available, and answers will likely include 200-mph exotics from Ferrari and Lamborghini, or ultra-luxury machines like the Rolls-Royce Phantom and Bentley Mulsanne.